Babylon 5 s05e21 Episode Script

So you couldn't sleep either.
Not really.
I hear Delenn came back from Minbar last night.
Yes.
The new headquarters for the Alliance are just about finished.
We can go anytime.
Hard to believe it's been almost a year since you got here.
Where does the time go? That way.
And what's out there? The Rim.
And beyond that? The truth.
When we leave for Minbar I don't want any ceremonies, brass bands or speeches.
I just wanna leave here quietly.
I understand.
Before that, I I wanted to thank you for bringing me in here.
The first few days, I wasn't sure I really wanted the job but this place kind of grows on you.
Yes, it does.
And it's gonna be hard to leave.
I thought I was prepared for it, but now that the reality of it is here Well it's just hard, that's all.
Well, I should probably get some breakfast.
We go online in about an hour and we've got double the usual number of ships coming in.
Looks like it's gonna be one of those days.
- Mr.
President.
- Captain.
You're welcome.
And in case I don't get to say this later it's been good having you here.
Knowing that this place is in good hands makes the leaving easier.
He's not there.
Well, then, do you know when G'Kar will return? He's not coming back.
He left a few days ago.
- Do you know where he went? - No.
No one does.
I think he wanted it that way.
But he sent for me on Narn.
Said I should come as quickly as possible.
Did he leave any message for me? No.
No, not that I know of.
I'm sorry.
Lights.
Voice identification: Ta'Lon.
Message waiting from Ambassador G'Kar.
Do you wish to receive? Yes.
Yes, of course.
Greetings, Ta'Lon.
I am leaving this message for you because it appears I must leave Babylon 5 sooner than I had intended.
I would have preferred to say this in person but since I cannot, let me say it here.
Now that I am gone someone else must speak for our people.
I would like for that person to be you.
And so it begins.
- There's a hole in your mind.
- What do you want? No one here is exactly what he appears.
Nothing's the same anymore.
Commander Sinclair is being reassigned.
Why don't you eliminate the entire Narn Homeworld? I see a great hand reaching out of the stars.
President Clark has signed a decree declaring martial law.
These orders have forced us to declare independence.
Unless your people get off their encounter-suited butts and do something - You're The One who was.
- lf you go to Z'Ha'Dum, you will die.
Why are you here? Do you have anything worth living for? I think of my beautiful city in flames.
- Giants in the playground.
- Get the hell out of our galaxy! We are here to place President Clark under arrest.
Knowing you as I do - I'm sure you're wondering, why you? - To say the least.
Why should you be asked to take on the responsibility of speaking for our people? Why you might accept it is for you to decide.
I can only tell you why I've offered it.
I believe there is a time for enlightenment and a time for things to get done.
I have become a distraction for our people.
They require patience, direction determination and strength.
I have provided a little of the first two.
Now you must provide the rest.
You have always been sensible and levelheaded.
A rock that will never shift or break beneath the demands of our people.
And you have been my friend.
In my absence, we will need someone to focus on helping our world rebuild and strengthening ties with the Alliance.
In order to serve our people here and at home one must be both priest and warrior in equal measure.
In recent months, I have become more priest than warrior.
Perhaps now it is time for someone who is more warrior than priest.
You may believe you are not ready but you are as ready as I was when I first came to Babylon 5.
Check the records.
I think you'll be amused.
When this message has finished, a copy will automatically be sent to Sheridan and the others.
They will receive you as they would receive me.
Good luck, Ta'Lon.
Serve our people reasonably fairly and with honor.
The rest will attend to itself.
So I've decided that you will be my replacement here on Babylon 5.
Are you sure you want me for this job? There are other doctors here just as qualified as I am.
Absolutely.
There's Dr.
Hernandez in Medlab 3 who has more off-world experience with alien life forms.
There's Dr.
Fuhara in Medlab 5 who's had more experience in alien biologies than both of us put together.
I think you're making my point for me.
I've been going from one Medlab to the other for three years.
Exactly.
The others are specialists.
If you wanna be chief of staff in a place like this, you have to be a generalist.
And I need someone who is willing to fight for what she believes in.
And you fit that bill.
All right.
Thank you.
I'll try to live up to the honor.
- So when do you leave for Earth? - Tonight.
The staff has been briefed, they're ready for you.
The xenobiology division back home needs me soon.
Well, what about Delenn? Her pregnancy is I've done everything I can on my end.
Her own doctors will take over when she gets home.
Thought I might as well do it in one short, sharp shock and get it over with.
I assume you're going to say goodbye to President Sheridan before you leave.
Yeah.
He's next on my list.
Good luck, doctor.
You have any questions, you know where to find me.
Yes? - Hello, Delenn.
- Lennier.
You didn't tell me you were coming.
It would've been considerably less of a surprise if I had.
What are you doing here? Your training to be Anla'shok must be at its most critical stage right now.
There was a break in training for personal time and I decided to take mine here to help you move back home and ensure your safe arrival.
I believe the humans call it a "working holiday.
" Well, I'm happy that you came.
John and I have been packing all day.
I could use an excuse to sit and talk to someone for a few minutes.
Tell me of home.
I'll make something hot to drink.
Oh, don't Don't bother on my account.
No, no, no, no, no.
It's no trouble at all.
Just let me Let me find my fili leaves.
According to the reports, we had a minor skirmish between Drazi and Brakiri forces along their border.
Other than that, it's pretty quiet.
What kind of border skirmish? I'm still going through the analysis, but it looks like a squabble broke out over a visit to a brothel on Vermini 7.
Some of the Brakiri pilots in the area have been using it as a layover.
- So to speak.
- And the Drazi pilots don't like it because the employees are primarily Drazi.
There's some sort of taboo about touching Brakiri, and - I think that's as much information as I can handle, Tessa.
- Anything else? - No, Mr.
President.
As I said, it's pretty quiet out there.
So you can head out at your discretion, no problem.
Good.
Thank you.
Well, I think she's very thorough.
She's working out fine as head of intelligence.
I agree.
Any reason why she's not going to Minbar with you and Delenn? I thought you wanted your Cabinet there alongside you.
I thought about it but Babylon 5 is a hot point for information.
She'd have fewer resources on Minbar, so it's best she stays here.
Garibaldi finally realized he couldn't do his job living with Lise on Mars.
Speaking of which, has anybody heard from Garibaldi lately? No, but I'm sure he's keeping very busy.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Please be seated.
Since I'm the new guy, I figured I should introduce myself.
The name is Garibaldi.
Michael Garibaldi.
And at the suggestion of my wife, I've decided to take over the day-to-day operations of Edgars Industries.
So why did you want to see us? Because I asked for a list of company troublemakers.
All of you have been stuck in midlevel positions because you have an attitude problem.
If you don't like something, you complain, you talk back.
Think you do things better than your bosses So we're fired, is that it? Actually, more like promoted.
I've decided that you are now on the board of directors of Edgars Industries.
Your job is to tell me where we've screwed up so that we can fix it, make it better.
The position entitles you to a 100-percent salary increase effective immediately, plus benefits.
One part of your job is to tell me if I've screwed up.
To stand your ground.
Now, if you're right, you get a bonus.
If you're wrong, I will eat you for lunch.
Does anyone have a problem with that? At which time our ISN camera crew picked up this White Star on approach to Babylon 5.
It's rumored that President Sheridan and Delenn will be leaving aboard that ship for the newly completed ISA headquarters located on Minbar.
The exact time of their departure is classified, but our sources report Off.
Those damn reporters are always two steps ahead of where they're supposed to be.
How are we supposed to leave quietly with all this going on? Yes? Your belongings have been transferred to our ship.
It only awaits your arrival.
I'm going to take one last look in the other room, make sure I didn't forget anything.
I wanna thank you for coming all the way out here, Lennier.
It means a lot to her.
To both of us.
I could not have done otherwise.
So are you going to stay long on Minbar once we've moved in? Not long.
My training is almost complete.
I should return to it as soon as possible.
Of course, of course.
You understand you're always welcome to stay with us when you're back home.
It'd be nice to see a familiar face from time to time.
I will remember that.
- Find anything? - No.
It looks as if we've got it all.
I guess it's time.
ISN broke your travel plans a little while ago.
You may want to say a few words.
Delenn.
When I was first assigned to Babylon 5 I had to learn to speak several languages: Drazi, Brakiri, Centauri and, of course, English.
The human language of commerce.
Some words have always come easier to me than the others.
One of the most difficult words for me was "goodbye.
" There is no corresponding word for "goodbye" in Minbari.
All our partings contain within them the possibility of meeting again in other places in other times in other lives.
So you will excuse me if I do not say goodbye.
Our souls are a part of this place our hopes, the foundation of our future and we will pass this way again.
- Zack.
- Mr.
President.
Delenn.
I was wondering if we were gonna see you before we left.
Well, I got tied up, some problems down in Brown Sector.
You know, same old, same old.
But I didn't wanna miss this.
It's good to know at least one of the old gang will be sticking around.
Who, me? Absolutely.
I'll probably still be here when they turn off the lights.
I don't doubt it.
Well you take care, Zack.
Mr.
President.
Delenn.
Where's the captain? He was instructed to remain on Babylon 5.
I felt it would be more symbolic if the two of you commanded the ship for our trip home.
Well, that's very good thinking, Lennier.
Stand by to bring her about.
Let's take one last look at the place.
Match rotation.
Take us away.
Restless? No.
No, I'm fine.
- You need any help with that? - No, no.
I'm almost done.
Maybe you should go for a walk.
I don't have to go for a walk.
I am fine.
As you wish.
I think I'll go for a walk.
We've got a coolant leak in the weapons system.
Evacuate the area.
I'm gonna try and shut it down.
Come on.
Let's get you out of here.
You shouldn't be here.
They're going to seal off Lennier, hit the access panel.
Lennier! Hit the access panel! Lennier! Lennier! Lennier! I can't! Come on, buddy.
Hurry! Go! No.
Lennier.
What happened? What happened? Lennier.
Lennier, can you hear me? John told me what happened.
We can talk this over.
We can What happened? I had his quarters searched at the Anla'shok training facilities in Tuzanor.
They found his diary.
I knew that he had certain feelings towards me, but I had no idea.
His entries make it clear that he considers our union a mistake but there is no indication that he meant you any harm.
Then what happened? There are moments when we all become someone else.
Something other than what we are.
It takes only a moment but we spend the rest of our lives looking back at that moment in shame.
For one instant, out of a lifetime of service he became all of his own worst instincts.
I can't even imagine what he's feeling right now.
He was on his way back when I arrived.
Perhaps he was having a change of heart.
And perhaps he wanted to make sure I was dead.
There's no way to know.
Will you tell me one thing, John? If he said he was coming back because he had changed his mind because he wanted to undo what he had done, would you believe him? I don't know.
I think I would believe him, but I shouldn't, but I think I would.
It's like I said, there's no way to know the truth.
And even if he changed his mind he still crossed the line.
- There has to be a price.
- I know.
And I'm sure he does as well.
You should stay in bed.
I'll tell the crew to delay our arrival for another day or so.
- No.
No.
They will be expecting us, and I am not about to start the first day on the job by arriving late.
Now, you know how rumors get around.
If we're even an hour late they'll be worried that we were all killed or something.
No.
We'll tell them that I've got a cold, that's all.
- But Lennier - What happened with Lennier will remain on this ship.
You would do this for him? Well, telling everyone that I was damn near killed by one of your people isn't exactly my idea of starting off on the right foot.
No, we will put our best face on this.
We will go in with smiles and confidence.
And that will give him room enough to breathe until we can talk to him.
Thank you.
Still walking around with your head in the clouds, Sheridan? Londo? Emperor Mollari, if you will, Mr.
President.
On a joyous day like this, how could I not be here? Another of the benefits of being emperor, or president, in your case is not so much the people who are pleased to see you in office.
It's the people who are furious that you're even alive, no less holding a position of power.
Knowing that every day you succeed they die a little more inside makes the endeavor eminently satisfying.
If you don't mind my saying so, Emperor Mollari your attitude towards us is quite improved over the last time.
When we were all on Centauri Prime, you said some unkind things.
Playing to the audience, Delenn, nothing more.
I need to get my people fired up for the long and difficult process of rebuilding.
There's politics and there's friendship.
When I heard that you were with child and that you were finally returning here to stay how could I not come and convey my personal good wishes? I would raise a toast to you but there doesn't seem to be anything at hand.
Mr.
President, do you have a little brivari or perhaps some of that excellent Earth whiskey tucked away in a box somewhere? No.
Since alcohol is dangerous for the Minbari I left all that stuff back on Babylon 5.
But surely there must be a little.
Not a drop.
I'm surprised you didn't bring along your own supplies.
Well, my associates don't allow me such pleasures anymore.
I suppose they feel that I am dangerous enough sober.
No reason to make things worse.
So, Delenn - Delenn.
- What I'm sorry.
What were you saying, Londo? You haven't asked me about my gift.
What gift? I brought this for your child.
It is a Centauri tradition to give this to the heir to the throne when he or she comes of age.
It's very old.
Well, it's beautiful but we can't possibly accept.
We I insist.
Besides, I have no heirs.
When I am gone I suspect the Centaurum will do all they can to eliminate the position of emperor.
If I am going to be obsolete and that is going to be obsolete then I should do all that I can to make sure it ends up where it will be appreciated.
Something has just come up.
If you will excuse me.
Well, since I can't talk you out of this thank you.
- When do I? - When your child male or female, turns 16 years then you hand it over.
Look at this.
I noticed the bottom is sealed.
Yes.
I am told that it contains water taken from the river that flowed past the very first palace 2000 years ago.
- Hello, Delenn.
- Lennier.
- Where are? - I'm afraid I cannot talk long.
There is no use in attempting to trace this signal.
My Anla'shok training has taught me how to avoid such things.
Lennier.
Listen to me.
- You need to come back.
We can - No.
There is nothing to be done.
I have already done enough damage.
I only wanted to call to tell you that I'm so sorry for what happened.
I never meant him any harm.
I never intended for this to happen.
It just happened.
And I cannot even ask you to forgive me because I know I will never forgive myself.
I only wanted to call to tell you one last time that I'm so sorry and that I'm going away.
I must consider what I've done decide who and what I am.
I need to be somewhere else until I can find a way to redeem myself in your eyes however long that may take.
- Lennier.
- When you see your husband, please tell him Tell him that l'm sorry.
I would tell him myself, but I'm too ashamed.
Don't do this, Lennier.
I cannot imagine a life without you in it.
That is unnecessary.
While I am no longer sure of a great many things there is one thing I do know with absolute certainty: We will meet again, Delenn.
And on that day though I know I will never earn your love I will earn your forgiveness.
Until then if you would, honor my memory and be happy.
For my sake and for his.
Are you sure you can't stay a little longer? No, the affairs of state weigh heavily on me, just as they do on you.
Besides I would think that you would want to settle in and get down to creating the greatest empire in history, yes? One thing I do want you to know to hold in your thoughts in the years to come.
I want you to know that you are my friends.
That you'll always be my friends, no matter what happens.
And I I want you to know that this day this day with you means more to me than you will ever know.
It appears I must go now.
I know.
Well, you're always welcome to come back, Londo.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
I - Was that Lennier who called earlier? - Yes.
What did he say? It's a long story.
I'll tell you when we're alone.
Are you okay? For the first time, I think I will be all right.
You have done well.
As a reward, you may now have one hour free from us.
Now what? Now we await the passage of years.
- Years? - We are very patient.
Begin recording.
Today is my first night on Minbar.
My Our new home.
Londo's visit got me thinking about the day my child comes of age.
On Earth, that's 21.
If Lorien's prediction holds I only have 19 years left.
I won't be there to see you come into your own whoever you are whoever you will be.
Not that either of those things matter.
Because sight unseen I know that I will love you because you are my child and the child of the woman that I love more than life itself.
I will give you that love as best I can for as long as I'm here.
But a day like this your 21 st birthday requires something more.
So I give you what little wisdom I have.
Delenn is the greatest ally you will ever have.
Her depths of courage and compassion are unmatched in my experience.
Look to her for wisdom and fire in equal measure.
And if you ever have any doubt talk to her.
She will never judge you.
She will only love you.
From time to time you will make mistakes.
They're inevitable.
Sometimes those mistakes will be huge.
What matters is that you learn from them.
There's nothing wrong with falling down so long as you end up just 2 inches taller when you pick yourself up off the floor.
At times you may end up far away from home.
You may not be sure of where you belong anymore but home is always there.
Because home is not a place.
It's wherever your passion takes you.
As you continue on your path you will lose some friends and gain new ones.
The process is painful but often necessary.
They will change and you will change because life is change.
From time to time they must find their own way and that way may not be yours.
Enjoy them for what they are and remember them for what they were.
There's not much left.
Except I believe I really do believe that sooner or later, no matter what happens things do work out.
We have hard times.
We suffer.
We lose loved ones.
The road is never easy.
It was never meant to be easy.
But in the long run if you stay true to what you believe things do work out.
Always be willing to fight for what you believe in.
It doesn't matter if 1000 people agree with you or one person agrees with you.
It doesn't matter if you stand completely alone.
Fight for what you believe.
Which brings me to the first piece of advice my dad ever gave me, and now I'm giving it to you.
- Never - Never start a fight but always finish it.
Always finish it.
I have a piece of advice for you.
Get some sleep.
I think I'll do just that.
It's been a long day.
- I might even sleep in tomorrow.
- Good idea.
Have I told you today how much I love you? Yes but you may continue to repeat it for as long as you like.
I plan to.
Every day that I can.